California Fugitive Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Killing Florida Woman
A 65-year-old California fugitive who had been on the run for nearly four decades before his arrest in June has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the murder of Cynthia "Cindy" Ruth Wood in Florida.
Donald Santini, who made appearances on the TV show "America's Most Wanted" in 1990, 2005, and 2013, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as part of a deal with prosecutors to avoid a first-degree murder charge. The deal was approved by Circuit Judge Samantha Ward before she issued the sentence in Tampa on Thursday. The trial was scheduled to begin in two weeks.
"Good luck," the judge told Santini, who has been held without bond since his arrest in June at his home near San Diego.
"Thank you, Your Honor," replied Santini, whose hands were cuffed in front of him.
Prior to his arrest, Santini had been living in California under the name Wellman Simmonds. He held the position of president on a local water board in Campo, a small suburb of San Diego, and frequently attended public board meetings.
Man Arrested in California for Decades-Old Murder Case
A man's life in California has come to an end after being arrested for a murder that happened 38 years ago. The arrest was made thanks to a tip from the Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, which led U.S. marshals to the suspect's location in Campo.
According to the arrest warrant, the victim had been strangled and the suspect's fingerprints were found on her body. The suspect, who had been on the run for decades, was featured on America's Most Wanted several times. However, it was only this year when he applied for a passport that his fingerprints were matched to the missing murder suspect.
In 1984, the suspect went by the name Charles Michael Stevens and had used at least 13 aliases over the years to avoid capture for a crime committed in Texas. Prosecutors were prepared to present new facts about the case to jurors, including the fact that the suspect was the last person seen with the victim and her body was found in a water-filled ditch three days later.
The arrest has brought closure to a decades-old cold case and serves as a reminder that justice can still be served, no matter how much time has passed.
Assistant State Attorney Scott Harmon revealed during a hearing that the victim had told friends and associates that she was going on a date on June 5, 1984. Neighbors later reported seeing a van parked in her driveway.
Man Accused of Cold Case Murder in Florida Claims Innocence
Following his recent arrest, John Santini, the prime suspect in a cold case murder in Florida, has proclaimed his innocence in a letter sent from jail. In the handwritten 16-page letter obtained by ABC 10News, Santini stated that he was involved in community service with the Rotary Club, owned a Thai restaurant, and managed an apartment block. He also claimed that he had been able to evade capture for so long because he lived a loving and respectful life.
Santini's arrest has brought attention to his criminal history, as he had previously served time in prison for the rape of a woman while stationed in Germany. However, Santini maintains that he is innocent of the murder charges brought against him.
Family Awaits Justice in Cold-Blooded Murder Case
"No family should have to spend decades waiting for justice to be served in the cruel murder of their loved one," expressed State Attorney Suzy Lopez. "This defendant not only stole an innocent life, but he also left a family without their mother, and without answers. Our thoughts are with the victim's family and friends as they close a painful chapter and move toward healing."
